Community Leaders React To Baltimore Riot

Fresno community leaders watched the riot unfold through social media and the news. They described it as a very upsetting sight because although they support protests and believe they make a difference, not when they become destructive.

"I felt for the business owners, the community overall, I felt upset like I was there, quite disturbing," City Councilmember Oliver Baines said. He sympathizes with the mayor of Baltimore. On television, he watched as businesses were set on fire and property was destroyed. "There’s legitimate outrage that folks have but how they’re expressing it is destructive and its not appropriate."

An inappropriate way to deliver a message he believes is meant to be about social justice.

"When people get frustrated sometimes they respond in unproductive ways as a way to get attention. I do think there are better ways to address some of the concerns," Tate Hill said.

And although the riot was devastating, they believe it’s an opportunity for leaders to demonstrate their ability to address issues quickly and find a solution, hoping these type of protests don’t reflect badly on the African American communities nationwide.

"It’s almost like nails in a chalkboard when you see that, it’s awful, that isn’t the whole representation of the community… it couldn’t be further from the truth," Baines said.